Crustaceans (Mithraculus, Neopetrolisthes, Periclimenes, Stenorhynchus
sp.) living in association with sea anemones, shore crabs (Metopograp
sus oceanicus) and brine shrimps (Artemia salina) were found to be res
istent to the exposure of cytolytic sea anemone toxins (up to 100 mu g
/ml) and to other membrane-active compounds such as gramicidin A and s
aponin. The gill filaments of the crustaceans were not affected, indic
ating that the chitin layer protects the epithelium from the action of
the cytolytic toxins. However, crustaceans are highly susceptible to
sea anemone toxins when injected parenterally. Copyright (C) 1996 Else
vier Science Ltd